402. Paekakakiri to Foxton, New Zealand

5.22.2025

Distance: 46.53 mi.

Total: 16,456.99 mi., 26,479.30 km.

Many apologies for my radio silence! The last couple of weeks in Australia were especially challenging, with rains that had me looking for an ark, bicycle infrastructure that would just suddenly and inexplicably disappear, difficulties finding safe routes, and daily harassment from motorists. Indeed, I wound up filling three police reports while I was in Aus: two against people throwing beverage containers at my head, and one against a car that swerved into the bike lane so that the passenger could yell into my ear, "Get a fucking car!"

In contrast, New Zealand showed up kind and gentle from the get-go. At the airport, the passport control security officer was cracking jokes like, "Have your passport ready, or I will publicly shame you." People chatted me up in lines and offered to help me schlep my bike. Motorists stopped at crosswalks to let me pass. A lovely couple at the Greek restaurant where I dined my first night offered to house me.

The good vibes continued today. A group of teenage boys on mountain bikes all said, "Hello," as did many other cyclists. When construction blocked my route, two e-bikers showed me the detour. No motorists honked, swore, or threw things at me, and, instead, slowed down and gave me space as they passed.

Meanwhile, a jaw-dropping tableau of mountains and clouds scrolled by. New Zealand is famous for its high winds and, indeed, today I had a 12 mph headwind all day. But I didn't even care, as I am so delighted just to be here.